The Skill Set

Always a Bridesmaid: A Skill Set Vignette

In this episode, Cheryl shares a memorable story from her past that highlights unexpected twists and enduring reflections. Join Cheryl for a compelling conversation that

Sneaker Design: The Skill of Aesthetic Storytelling and Cultural Interpretation

Cheryl Durst’s latest conversation is with Solomon Renfro, a talented sneaker designer at New Balance, who shares his unique journey from studying interior architecture t

The Skill Set Studio: Your questions get answers

In this special episode host Cheryl Durst and executive producer Adriana Morton listen to voicemails left by attendees for Cheryl during NeoCon 2023 in the OFS showroom.

Living in the Moment: The Skill of Perpetual Motion and Grace

An Olympian, a writer, a public speaker — Winter Vinecki has done it all. From a very early age, she has been in constant motion, pushing herself to be the best she can b

Behavioral Profiling: The Skill of Mindhunting and Analytical Logic

Why are we as humans so fascinated by true crime and programs like “Criminal Minds” and “Mindhunter,”? Complex criminal behavior and understanding the “why” and the “who”

Conservation: The Skill of Stewardship and Advocacy

People, paperwork and polar bears — Nicki Boyd’s career revolves around these three things and much more. As the curator of applied behavior at the San Diego Zoo and Safa

Seat 6A, Traveling While Black: A Skill Set Vignette

What happens when your ability to live your life is questioned? When simply to authentically exist in places where other’s limited imaginations won’t allow the reality of

Change-Making: The Skill of Overcoming the Odds and Discovering Yourself

In many ways, Pierre Jean Gonzalez surpasses expectations, and has done so his entire life. From beating the odds of his social circumstances to coming out as queer amids

Elevating Experience: The Skill of Empowering Others and Leaning into Beauty

I am so honored to have had the opportunity to talk with Rebecca Walker and learn from her directly about her experience as a writer, feminist, and activist as well as th

The Skill Set Studio: The Stuff

I am joined once again by my producers, Adriana and Doug, to talk about “stuff” — the skills, experiences, memories and more accumulated over our lifetimes that give us p

Legacy-Keeping: The Skill of Preservation and Curation

I’m honored and proud to call Llisa Demetrios — grandaughter of influential designers Ray and Charles Eames — a friend and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity t

The Top Floor: A Skill Set Vignette

In this short episode, which I like to call a "slice of life," I share a very personal story from my childhood that shaped who I am today and informed both my dignity and

The Skill Set Studio: Bucket List

The Skill Set Studio: Bucket List My producers Doug and Adriana join me for a special episode in which I share my learnings from a recent keynote speaker and dive deep i

Storytelling: The Skill of Creativity, Self-Assuredness and Peacemaking

Storytelling: The Skill of Creativity, Self-Assuredness and Peacemaking J.D. Netto is what I would describe as a multiplicity of beautiful things — he is a best-selling

Tattoo Artistry: The Skill of Purpose, Precision, and Expression

Tattoo Artistry: The Skill of Purpose, Precision, and Expression Steph Tamez is more than just a tattoo artist — they are an anthropologist, historian and expressionist

Connection: The Skill of Preparedness and Reading the Room

Connection: The Skill of Preparedness and Reading the Room As Director of Strategic Sales for IIDA, Tracey Thomas’ career is built on connections—whether with customers

Courageous Resilience: The Skill of True Grit and the Art of Interpreting Need

Dr. Manny Hernandez and Dr. Colleen Mullen each seek to diagnose need and provide excellent healthcare, to their patients.  As physicians and care providers—Colleen as ve

Igniting Passion: The Skill of Lifelong Learning and Intuition

In celebration of National Back To School Month, I host third grade teacher and summer-camp innovator, Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr.  With an almost-evangelical commitment to b

Mastering Mindfulness: The Skill of Focus and Being Present

A modern-day Hercules, air traffic controller, Navy veteran, and world record holder, Mike McCastle seems to exist at the convergence of concentration and clarity. Althou

Calm Under Pressure: The Skill of Steady Hands and Stage Presence

At first glance, Dr. David Langer and Allison Asarch have very little in common—David is a neurosurgeon and Allison is an aspiring country music star. But through a thoug